Positano or Amalfi?
Every Pompeii and Amalfi Coast tour stops in one or two coast towns, and they are not interchangeable. Here is the honest comparison, so you can pick the tour by the town you actually want to see.
The towns, side by side
| Positano | Amalfi | Sorrento | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character | Vertical pastel village above a beach | Historic harbour town with a grand cathedral | Larger resort town on the bay of Naples |
| Walking | Steep steps everywhere | Mostly flat centre | Flat and easy |
| Best for | The iconic photo, boutiques, the beach | History, boat rides, ferries | A relaxed base, lemon groves |
| Price level | Highest on the coast | High | More moderate |
| On which tour | Rome day trip, port tour | Naples day trip | Port tour |
Which is prettier, and which is cheaper?
Positano is the one on the postcards: pink, peach and white houses falling down a cliff to a pebble beach with the majolica dome of Santa Maria Assunta at the bottom. It is also the most expensive place to stay on the coast and involves a lot of stairs. Amalfi was a medieval maritime republic and still feels like a working town: the striped Cathedral of Sant’Andrea at the top of its steps, lanes of paper and ceramic shops, and the harbour where boats leave for Positano and the grottoes. Rooms are a little cheaper than in Positano and walking is easier. Ravello, high above Amalfi, has the gardens and the views, and many people call it the prettiest of all. Sorrento, strictly on the bay of Naples rather than the Amalfi Coast, is the most affordable base.
How to choose your tour
Want the classic image? Choose the day trip from Rome or the cruise port tour, both with free time in Positano. Want to get on the water? The Naples day trip stops in Amalfi, with an optional €15 boat ride. Want to decide on the day, or add Ravello? A private driver goes wherever you like. Whichever you pick, try the local food: a lemon granita, scialatielli with seafood, the delizia al limone cake, and a glass of limoncello to finish.